Tourism operators, businesses and community partners in Halton Hills can hear from regional and provincial tourism officials about visitor trends and grant funding at a free half-day forum on Monday, Nov. 16.
The keynote speakers are Bev Scott and Chris Robertson of RTO3, one of Ontario's regional tourism organizations, which promote travel and support operators in their area, and Kate Oxley and Caroline Polgrabia of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, the provincial department that runs Ontario's tourism programs. They'll cover tourism trends, visitor data and partnerships, as well as which grants are out there and how to put together a stronger application.
Beyond the talks, the morning includes networking, a marketplace of partner organizations, a catered lunch and a chance to win local prizes.
Businesses looking for money closer to home can also apply to the Town's Community Improvement Plan, which offers eligible businesses grants of up to $30,000 for projects such as façade upgrades, building and property renovations, and accessibility improvements.
The Town's Economic Development Division, which works to attract and grow local business, is hosting the Tourism Exchange Forum at Kinsmen Hall in the Gellert Community Centre, 10241 Eighth Line, Georgetown. It runs Monday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with registration opening at 8:40 a.m.
